Veterans Day is an important day at Friendship Village of South Hills. Not only does it afford us the opportunity to pay our respects to the men and women of the armed forces, but it also allows us to honor the veterans in our own community who have served their country. We’re happy to be able to tell you more about them and share with you ways in which you can show you appreciation for the veterans in Pittsburgh and around the country this Veterans Day.
Honoring Our Community Veterans
Friendship Village of South Hills welcomes all of its residents with open arms, but we are especially grateful to the members of our community who have served their country. Veterans Day is an opportunity for us to turn a spotlight on them and share their stories.
John Pruce served in the Air National Guard as a self-described “weekend warrior.” He was trained at the Lackland Air Force Base located in Bexar County, Texas. When the calendar turns to Veterans Day each page, John typically likes to watch or attend a Veterans Day parade. In the past, he has visited his parents’ resting place on Veterans Day and prayed at their graveside.
Jack Watson served in the Pacific 4th Marine Division. He saw combat while serving and admits that it took a toll on him mentally and emotionally, which is something he is still dealing with to this day. But Veterans Day means a lot to him. He is eager to serve his fellow veterans, always trying to learn more about how he can help and support them.
How to Celebrate the Day
Just as John and Jack each celebrate Veterans Day in their own way, you too have the opportunity to choose how you want to pay your respects to our veterans. Here are some of the opportunities to honor America’s military veterans and service members.
Attend a Veterans Day Event
There are opportunities in Upper St. Clair and around the Pittsburgh area for you and even your family to honor our veterans on the national holiday. Upper St. Clair hosts an annual Veterans Day Observance each year at the Veterans Park on 1820 McLaughlin Run Road.
The Veterans Leadership Program in Pittsburgh is also hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast at Duquesne University’s Student Union Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8 a.m. EST. USMC veteran Eric McElvenny will be the guest speaker at the breakfast, sharing his story of serving in Afghanistan. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/VLPVeteransDay
Volunteer Your Time
If you are looking to serve, consider volunteering. There are nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting those who have served or currently serve our country. Volunteering your time to help these organizations is a great way to show your appreciation on Veterans Day. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion websites list volunteer opportunities.
Make a Donation
If you’re not able to donate your time, your financial support is valuable, as well. Consider supporting a charitable organization that supports veterans, but make sure to do your due diligence before donating to any organization. It’s important to confirm that your hard-earned money is actually being used for the cause you intended. If you are evaluating the legitimacy of a charitable organization, here are some resources that can help:
Connect with a Veteran
Is there a veteran in your life? How often do you talk to them? Veterans can often feel isolated, especially if they are older in age. It’s important to make sure they know that people care. Simply reaching out to them can have a positive impact on their lives. All you have to do is initiate the conversation and listen to what they have to say as a way of showing your respect.
The Community at Friendship Village of South Hills
We take great pride in the community we’ve built at Friendship Village of South Hills. Our team is passionate about celebrating our residents and respecting the lives they’ve lived, veterans and non-veterans alike. If you would like to learn more about what life at Friendship Village of South Hills looks like for yourself or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
